Convent under construction

GUYANA

A new convent is under construction for the Servant of the Lord and the Virgin of Matara Sisters (SSVM) in Charity, Essequibo Coast.

The Sisters have been missioning in that area for the past 14 years, working as a religious family with priests of the Institute of the Incarnate Word. In the interim, the SSVM have rented houses and converted them into convents, making one of the rooms a temporary chapel.

According to a Catholic Standard report written by Mother Nikopoia SSVM, the Sisters celebrated the Solemnity of St Joseph (March 19) on the land that had been purchased 12 years ago for the construction of a permanent, safe convent.

As of early November, the foundation is finished, the concrete support beams for the first floor are in place, and the second-floor form boards are up and waiting for concrete to be poured. Next phase is the outside walls and the roof.

On November 13, three novice Sisters received the religious habit and continue their formation as SSVM Sisters. “God has blessed the Church of Guyana with six local Guyanese vocations to our Institute, three of whom have entered this year, which gives us even more incentive to complete the building of our convent, as it is jam-packed” said Mother Nikopoia.

The Sisters expressed appreciation to all who are helping in the construction, building, funding, and donations of their future convent that will give them a permanent home in Charity.